Boarding Agent

About the role

The Boarding Agent is responsible for managing day-to-day vessel operations from pre-arrival through departure and close-out. This includes coordinating with port authorities, terminals, and service providers, ensuring all regulatory requirements are met, and keeping customers and stakeholders fully informed throughout the port call.

Responsibilities

• Cook up vessel arrivals, port stays, and departures, working directly with pilots, terminals, agents, and government authorities to ensure smooth execution
• Act as the main point of contact for assigned vessel calls, keeping owners, operators, and internal teams updated on status, changes, and key events
• Attend vessels as required and handle all operational matters in line with company procedures and port requirements
• Prepare and manage Disbursement Accounts and maintain awareness of port call costs throughout execution
• Maintain accurate and timely updates in GAC systems to reflect vessel status, costs, and services
• Cook up and follow up on ship’s requirements, vendor services, and any requests from the Master or operator
• Support timely job close-out by ensuring all services are captured and jobs are ready for billing
• Ensure full compliance with port regulations, QHSSE standards, and company policies at all times

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent required; higher education or relevant certifications are a plus
• Experience in a maritime, shipping agency, port operations, or logistics environment strongly preferred
• A strong operational mindset — able to manage multiple vessel activities, coordinate with port authorities, and keep jobs moving without delays
• A detail-oriented with the ability to maintain accurate records, complete documentation, and support billing processes
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment with changing vessel schedules and priorities
• A confident communicator — able to work with vessel crews, owners/operators, and port authorities while keeping all parties informed
• A proactive and solutions-driven — takes ownership of assigned vessel calls and resolves issues as they arise without waiting for direction
• Willing and able to work in a port environment, including boarding vessels and working outdoors in varying conditions, with required PPE
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; comfortable learning internal systems

Soft Skills

• Communication - able to manage correspondence with other port agents, vendors, and clients across multiple time zones and cultures with confidence and accuracy
• Organizational Skills - Able to manage multiple vessel calls and client accounts simultaneously without losing track of deadlines, documentation, or follow-ups
• Problem-Solving - Calm and resourceful when disruptions arise whether a delayed vessel, a vendor issue, or a last-minute client request and finding solutions quickly and keeping all parties informed
• Adaptability - Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment where priorities can shift with little notice
• Customer Service Orientation - Genuinely committed to delivering a responsive, professional experience to clients and understanding that in this industry, reliability builds long-term relationships
• Team Collaboration - Works effectively across GAC offices, agent networks, and internal teams, contributing to a culture of shared accountability and mutual support